Rocky Mountain House Area Update

Rocky Forest Area - Clearwater Trail Re-Opened

Posted on Fri, Aug 17, 2018

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The Alberta Wildfire App issue has been solved. For up to date information on the wildfire situation in Alberta download the free Alberta Wildfire App for your mobile device. 

With the amount of smoke in the air, it is difficult to detect new wildfires. We ask that you are especially careful when lighting and extinguishing campfires, and that if you see a wildfire call 310-FIRE as soon as possible.


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FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT as of 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 16

Fire Restriction Fact Sheet / Ministerial Order

A Fire Restriction is in place for part of the Rocky Forest Area due to high fire hazard. The restriction applies to Fire Control Zones 4-6. For the Rocky Forest Area, this covers the areas of Mountain View County west of Range Road 60, in addition to the portions of the Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 within townships T31-R7-W5 and T31-R6-W5.

All active fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.

Prohibited

  • Wood fires on residential property and in backcountry or random camping areas
  • Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed

  • Safe wood fires within fire rings in campgrounds
  • Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified
  • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

 Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

 The Fire Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information.

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Due to continued hot and dry conditions, a fire advisory is in effect as of 10:00am on August 7, 2018 for the remainder of the Rocky Forest Area.

  • All fire permits are suspended
  • No new permits will be issued
  • Safe campfires are allowed

Smoke in the air

  • Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia has returned to the province and Rocky Forest Area today. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit the Alberta Air Quality Health Index for additional info. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast. 
  • For more information on road conditions, please visit https://511.alberta.ca/map.html

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is now HIGH in the Rocky Forest Area, with regions of MODERATE wildfire danger north of the David Thompson Highway.

As a reminder, please do not leave your campfires unattended, and make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving them by soaking them, stirring the ashes, and soaking the ashes again to ensure they are cool to the touch before leaving the site. 


WILDFIRE SITUATION  |  August 17, 2018   |   11:30 a.m. 

Rocky Forest Area

  • Skeleton Creek Wildfire (RWF-049): This wildfire is listed as being held. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.

    The cause of this fire has been determined as lightning.

    This wildfire is burning along Skeleton Creek approximately 2 km northwest of Scalp Creek Natural Area. The size of the wildfire is approximately 1,243 hectares. Alberta Wildfire is currently fighting this wildfire using firefighters, helicopters and and heavy equipment.

    As a result of this wildfire, Skeleton Creek Trail, Scalp Creek Trail, Bighorn Creek Trail and portions of Forbidden Creek and Timbber Creek Trails have been CLOSED. Clearwater Trail and the Cutoff Creek Trails are OPEN. This wildfire did not experience significant growth today.
  • Skeleton Fire Closure Map
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  • As a precaution, the Bighorn Creek Campground was closed by Parks Canada on Friday and will remain closed through the coming weekend. In addition, YMCA Camp Gray Jay voluntarily evacuated campers, staff and horses as a precaution. The southern edge of the wildfire is approximately 2 km northwest of the Scalp Creek Natural Area and 12 km northwest of the Red Deer River. The north edge is approximately 3.5 km south of the Clearwater River. This wildfire is not threatening any communities or roads.
  • Porcupine Wildfire (RWF-045): This wildfire is located in the Siffleur Wilderness Area, and is being held. The wildfire is approximately 1,884 hectares in size. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is working closely with Alberta Parks to manage this wildfire. This wildfire did not experience significant growth today. There are no values at risk from this wildfire.
  • Please note the Siffleur Falls Trail has been re-opened up to the second set of falls within the Kootenay Ecological Reserve. The trail beyond that point remains closed due to proximity to the wildfire in the Siffleur Wilderness Area. 

Rocky Forest Area Situation
  • Since March 1, 2018 there have been 52 wildfires in the Rocky Forest Area that have burned a total of 3,140.59 hectares.

Provincial Situation

  • There are currently 17 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 1 is out of control, 4 are being held, 7 are under control and 4 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
  • Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 1,130 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 52,543.65 hectares. 

Alberta Emergency Alerts

  • Alberta Emergency Alerts provides you with critical information about an immediate disaster, where it is occurring and what action you need to take. You can visit their website at http://www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca/ or download the Alberta Emergency Alerts (AEA) app for Apple or Android to stay up to date and in the know.

 
Download AlbertaFireBans for the latest up-to-date information on fire bans across the province. Download the mobile app today for Apple and Android.  

Derek Gagnon
Rocky Forest Area
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
P 780.499.8178
May the Forest be with you

 

 

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